A Fantic's Laker Shrine

[Sedale Threatt]

Either a jersey or shoes. I've been waiting until he signs his next contract.

I started out strictly with jerseys but had to branch out into balls because of the scarcity of items. I've actually gotten to like them. I've been extremely careful in the sake of uniformity -- only silver ink, only two specific ball models, signed on the same panel. I've had to turn down some nice items because they didn't match.

Get some good stands and put them in these cabinets, and they look really, really sharp IMO.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10011055

Right now I'm lacking Earl Monroe, Billy Cunningham, Patrick Ewing -- got ripped off on a ball I purchased -- John Stockton and Pete Maravich. I'm also going to pick up something for Melo and Durant when the right piece crosses my path. Iverson, too, which I can't stand, but he's an MVP, so he meets the criterion. He's got some home boy from VA who sells his shoes on E-Bay, so there's no shortage of stuff for him.

If you ever need some cash, talk to me about your Stockton piece and maybe I can help you out! I'm probably going to just have to bite the bullet and buy a picture or a card, but I've been holding out until the right item crosses my path. I saw a signed jersey a couple years ago, but I wasn't going to pay four figures for it. The little bastard just doesn't sign much.

[HMFFL]

I saw those at ikea and liked how they looked. Thank you for recommending it and I was considering it once I figure out which basketballs stay.

Patrick Ewing has a nice response to signing autographs "I HATE THEM" and I have heard it several times.

I noticed the guy selling the Iverson shoes a couple years ago. I just feel they could be brand new, maybe some are used, but they just look too perfect to me. It's just like how some people pass brand new player exclusive shoes as used, have the player sign them, and just say they wore them for one game. I also believe most of the Kobe shoes I see on Ebay are fake and I have been looking for some of his. I want a pair of shoes and see no point just owning one of them.

NBA Auctions has listed the NBA All-Star jerseys. The players kept the second half jerseys so the ones up for auction are the first half jerseys. The prices are going to balloon, but it's worth keep an eye out to see what they offer.

Here are links to some of the auction houses online. Just be sure to look over the items carefully because there are plenty of fakes out there.

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[The Laker Kid]

wow, nice.. what a true Fantic.

[Sedale Threatt]

...

Yeah, I've tried to be extremely careful. That's why I have no problem paying extra for stuff that I absolutely know is legit. I'm 99 percent sure on everything I have but the Ewing ball; I tried to lie to myself at first, but having gotten to know his signature I have no doubt it's a forgery. I should have known better because it was so cheap, but the seller had a great rating and it was authenticated.

It really is a stupid hobby, if you think about it -- from the standpoint of being so expensive and risky -- but I'm really proud of the collection I have. Even women who have absolutely no interest or knowledge about basketball are impressed, and I've only got about 1/4 of my stuff out.

The frustrating thing, I work in the media and have had access to lots of the guys I paid major bucks to at one point or another. Like Ewing...I could easily get a press pass whenever Orlando is in town and hammer away at him. But I can't think of a bigger taboo than that. They'd never let you come back.

Definitely check out those cabinets, too. I promise you won't be disappointed.

[DubaLakers]

SCP...Sports Cards Plus. Ha, I know David. I had no idea his collection was that big though, wow.